Creaking sound from rear once car is been thrashed a bit

Scottd · Post by **Scottd** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:14 pm

Ball joints maybe? I did think it was the old Konis but since replacing the suspension I know its not that. Been happening for some time, only really when I've been out on a long journey or a run and the car is really warmed up.

scott

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:19 pm

Toe link - it's the grease in the joints that dries out. I've heard of people repacking them, but you might as well be better getting new joints (from Lotus) or thinking about the uprated links (if you're tracking it a lot)

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:22 pm

hmm, I have a creaking/clunking sound coming from the back of mine since MT.. thought it sounded like a tubular or hollow sound, and susected a loose exhaust fitting - the same sort of sound you think?

Scottd · Post by **Scottd** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:24 pm

k cheers. Are the one's from Lotus pricey? ...available from a 3rd party?

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:27 pm

GregR wrote:hmm, I have a creaking/clunking sound coming from the back of mine since MT.. thought it sounded like a tubular or hollow sound, and susected a loose exhaust fitting - the same sort of sound you think?

If it's a hollow clunk (like billiard balls) and you have the standard Koni's - it's probably one of them. If it's a creak and a rattly clunk, it'll be the toe-links.

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:28 pm

Scottd wrote:k cheers. Are the one's from Lotus pricey? ...available from a 3rd party?

Not sure - a while ago I think someone got them from MMC at a decent price. The only aftermarkets are upgrade kits. Speak to Stephen Curle though - he's got an idea for uprating without spending over the odds.

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:30 pm

Shug wrote:
GregR wrote:hmm, I have a creaking/clunking sound coming from the back of mine since MT.. thought it sounded like a tubular or hollow sound, and susected a loose exhaust fitting - the same sort of sound you think?
If it's a hollow clunk (like billiard balls) and you have the standard Koni's - it's probably one of them. If it's a creak and a rattly clunk, it'll be the toe-links.

ar$ebiscuits. Guess I'll need to get the S2 setup quicker than expected...

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:32 pm

Doesn't necessarily mean they're dead - but in all honesty they will probably be shagged anyway. I blew one when the car was less than 20K old and they were all clunking like barsteward at that point!

Scottd · Post by **Scottd** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:48 pm

I read the Konis clunked since new, unless they're leaking I don't think you have to replace them. And even then they'll keep going for a while.

scott

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:49 pm

Scottd wrote:I read the Konis clunked since new, unless they're leaking I don't think you have to replace them. And even then they'll keep going for a while.

scott

Not quite from new - but the drive home from the dealer could do it

tenkfeet · Post by **tenkfeet** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:19 pm

How tight should the toe links be ? I was checking mine as part of the service and it took a rather large spanner to move them . When free they were ok but still needed a spanner . When new can you move them by hand ?

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:27 pm

Yes. They should move freely (had you disconnected an end or something?) You should be able to rotate the link about 15-20 degrees on the balljoints, but have no side-side play.

They were seized. Exactly what happened to mine on MT with no warning. Think about replacing balljoints on them....

Scottd · Post by **Scottd** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:36 pm

Shug does doing this kind of work require a Geo afterwards?

Post by **Shug** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:40 pm

Scottd wrote:Shug does doing this kind of work require a Geo afterwards?

Unless you replace like for like and compare the threads of the new one with the old (get the lengths to match exactly) you'll need to get the rear toe re-set. Full geo is overkill and all it'll change on the rear is the toe.

Scottd · Post by **Scottd** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 2:56 pm

ok cheers, time to update the to-do list again

scott